Chateau de Versailles

10Best Says

This wonderfully extravagant palace, where royals frittered away much of the treasury, is a necessary stop for visitors. Top designers of the day created an ornate complex of gardens, lakes, stables... Read More

This wonderfully extravagant palace, where royals frittered away much of the treasury, is a necessary stop for visitors. Top designers of the day created an ornate complex of gardens, lakes, stables and guest houses to complement the luxuriously furnished palace, where Louis XIV, XV and XVI lived before the kingdom gave way to revolution. Beautifully restored rooms hint at the court's wealth, as seen in the gilt, crystal and hand-painted furnishings and details. Make sure to see the historic Hall of Mirrors. Guided and unguided tours are available. The gardens are as much as an attraction as the interior, especially when the spectacular fountains are turned on to music on summer weekends. Access from Paris by train (RER line C; Versailles Rive Gauche station is an 8-minute walk from the palace).

Sightseeing, Tours and Excursions, Museums: "Make a day of it. Versailles, especially if you take in its gardens, too, which you simply must, is worthy of an entire day's excursion at least."

Historic Sites: "Be sure to include Queen Marie-Antoinette's estate, the Petit Trianon, and its gardens in your visit. Gifted to his queen by King Louis XVI in 1774, the estate was only opened in 2006 and offers a glimpse into Marie-Antoinette's private life."

Best for Sightseeing Because: A beautifully preserved and meticulously restored remnant of the heyday of the opulent lifestyles of France's Kings and Queens.

Best for Tours and Excursions Because: This is a must-see when in Paris - with comfortable walking shoes!

Best for Historic Sites Because: This was the residence of French royalty and seat of French government from 1682 until the French Revolution. It's on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Best for Museums Because: Adults and children alike find this most extraordinary of palaces a wonder and a delight to visually feast upon.